Magical eucalyptus and pine forests, sandy beaches and spectacular cliffs – the simple yet beautifully designed Monte Velho Eco Resort is located in a peaceful setting right in the heart of the San Vicente Natural Park, Portugals West-Algarve. This retreat is an invitation to explore the richness of ashtanga yoga while having enough space to enjoy the sun on the beach, go for a surf or just chill in the hammock on your terrace.

Each morning will begin with quiet reflection and development of the breath. Followed by a combination of conducted and Mysore style classes which will accommodate and extend practitioners of all levels. The four afternoon classes will support the morning practice and will cover fundamentals of asana, bandha, pranayama, yoga philosophy, chanting and stillness. Dena's authentic and holistic approach; inspire a passion for self-discovery and reflection. This will be further enhanced by a full day of silence and fresh juices.

Dena has been studying and practicing traditional ashtanga yoga for over 25 years. She is one of Sri K.Pattabhi Jois's most advanced female students. Having completed the fourth series in 1996 she is certified by the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute of Mysore South India to teach this method. Jack and Dena were married by Guruji in 1997. The arrival of Zoli currently 11 and Izac now 8 has completed the family picture. The path of motherhood has added a gentle compassion to Dena’s disciplined yet lyrical style of teaching. Assisted by Jack, family warmth and a love of the practice shine through to create a safe yet provoking class atmosphere.

All classes will be taught in english.

The Monte Velho Eco Resort is situated on a hill with 360 degree panoramic view in the San Vicente National Park on the west coast of the Algarve. The colorfully decorated suites are very spacious with one bedroom, another bed/living-room and a bathroom. Each suite hast its own terrace with daybed and hammock ... plenty of room to relax. After the yoga-class there is brunch and in the evening a dinner – all vegetarian and as much as possible based on the delicious local and organic produce. On the silent day there will be healthy juices and friday night is open for dining out and enjoying the regional cuisine.

The resort is on a large nature plot with plenty of walking tracks and places to retreat and enjoy nature. The spa has a massage room and perfect for the colder days: sauna and steam bath. The small village of Carrapateira with cafés and restaurants is about 4 km away. On the great beaches (Amado, just 5 km away) you can enjoy the sun or you go surfing in the waves (material and surfing lessons can be booked locally). On the property of Monte Velho you also find the Holistic Riding Center where you can get a whole new perspective on yourself while working with horses.

23rd - 30th June 2012

Arrival: Saturday 23th after 2 pm. Welcome dinner for everyone at 8.00 pm.

Yoga Program: Sunday - Friday.

Departure: Saturday 30th by 12.00 pm.

Price includes

- 6 yoga classes  in the morning (3 hrs)

- 4 yoga classes in the afternoon (1,5 hrs)

- 7 nights accomodation at Monte Velho, 6x brunch, 5x dinner, 1 juice-day ______________________________________________________________________

1.090,- in a triple-suite (sharing a suite with two other persons)

1.195,- in a double-suite (sharing a suite with one person)

1.460,- in a single-suite (on request / limited availability)

Price is per person, currency is euro. Not included in the price is the journey to and from Monte Velho Resort. A deposit of euro 400,- needs to be transferred within 7 days after booking. Accompanying partner who don´t take part in the yoga pay additional € 100,- for taking one space.

You are required to organize your own journey to and from Monte Velho.

Flights: The nearest airport is Faro, about 1 hr 20 min drive from Monte Velho Eco Resort. Lisbon is about 3,5 hrs drive away. Flights to Lisbon are sometimes cheaper than to Faro and Lisbon is definitely worth spending an extra night before or after the yoga-retreat. Lisbonstory Guesthouse or Travellers House are only two of the many nice accommodation options in Lisbon.

Rental car: We suggest to book a rental car so you can easily get to the beach. Even though you can see the ocean from Monte Velho Resort and it´s only 4 km linear distance away the hike to the beach takes 50 min. through the hills. Good deals for rental cars are offered e. g. by Cardelmar or autoeurope. We can also help organizing car-sharing with other participants. Detailed driving directions to Monte Velho will be given shortly before the retreat.

Airport-pickup: Monte Velho Resort can organize transfers from Faro airport. As soon as we collected flight details from all participants we can arrange sharing a transfer. One way is about € 85,- / if two persons share it´s 42,50 each etc.

Public transport:

Lisbon – Lagos: By train, changing in Tunes (Train-Connections in Portugal ).

Faro – Lagos: By Bus. There is a shuttlebus from the airport to the train+bus-station from there: Renex Express Bus Portugal and EVA-Bus Algarve. A Taxi from Lagos to Monte Velho costs about 35,- euro.

Monte Velho Eco Resort on Google-Maps